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Hatfield & McCoy Letterbox LbNA #20046 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Ramdelt
Plant date:Jan 21, 2006
Location:
City:Louisville
County:Jefferson
State:Kentucky
Boxes:1
Found by: TP
Last found:May 19, 2006
Status:FFFr
Last edited:Jan 21, 2006
HATFIELD & MCCOY LETTERBOX

Bluegrass, bourbon, and the derby are just some of the things that Kentucky is known for. Something else is famous within the 15th state – the famous Hatfield and McCoy feud! This feud is so famous that the descendants of the two families have finally pitched in together to celebrate their own noteriety. What happened to spark this feud? What was the battle over Tug Valley between the residents of Pikeville, KY and Matewan, WV? It is no longer word of mouth – the Hatfields and McCoys let us know some answers at http://www.hatfieldmccoymarathon.com/festival.cfm.

This letterbox is placed on the Valley Overlook Trail (VOT) in Otter Creek Park, KY in their honor.

To find the letterbox, first visit the Otter Creek Park website (http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/parks/ottercreek/) to obtain the trail and park maps. Otter Creek Park is located in Meade County, not far from Ft. Knox (THAT Ft. Knox), in an area of Kentucky steeped in history. Also, please note the times that the park is closed or call ahead. Hours are typically 8 a.m. - sundown.

Once you’ve entered the park, head to your second right. Signs will point you to the Tall Trees Lodge/Pine Grove/Sycamore Flats. Park at the Pine Grove Pavillion The Valley Overlook Trail and the Red Cedar Trail (VOT/RCT) green marker is located to the right just as you drive into the parking area.

Follow the trail east, continuing on the VOT after the RCT has turned to the right. Shortly after the VOT .1 sign, you’ll be at the Valley Overlook. Pause a moment to enjoy the sight! If heights unnerve you, then instead read about the crossvine tree climber which blooms red and yellow in May.

Continue on the path about .4 of a mile, crossing a wood bridge and continuing uphill.

In a short distance (maybe 75-100 yards), a power line runs down the valley.

Approximately 100 paces (1 pace = 2 steps) from that point, there will be a tree on the left side of the trail that has a “butt” on one side and absolutely nothing on the other, as if someone cleaved the tree right down the middle.

Another 70-74 paces will have you looking at a tree that fell across the path, but has been cut away. You’ll be looking down the gaping hollow of it, on the left hand side of the path.

From that spot, look for a yellow tipped wooden trail marker on the right hand side of the path, about 10 paces up.

Ahead, the path begins to look like stepping stones. 12 paces from the trail marker, a knee high jutting rock with overhangs sits in the middle of the path. To the right of it is a tree with four flat stones gradiated in size leaning against the tree. The base of this tree marks the overhang in which to look under. Smaller stones help hide the Hatfield & McCoy letterbox. Please rehide so that no side of the box is visible from any angle. Also, please note that this is a very narrow bike path, so share the trail.

Thanks to Ramdelt for providing this letterbox for the Winter BBQ 2006 gathering and permanent planting in the Louisville area.